Food donation spotlights 15th Food Check-Out Week

2/16/2012 at 12:00 a.m.

LITTLE
ROCK — For the 15th year, Arkansas Farm Bureau will donate more than
three months worth of non-perishable food items and easy-to-prepare
meals to Little Rock’s Ronald McDonald House in commemoration of Food
Check-Out Week.

The national observance, Feb. 20 - 24, draws attention to
the fact U.S. consumers enjoy the world’s safest and most nutritious
food supply. It gives Farm Bureau leaders an opportunity to inform
consumers how they may enjoy wholesome meals on a budget.

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s state women’s committee will make its
annual visit to Ronald McDonald House Feb. 22 and share the bounty of
our nation’s food supply by stocking the pantry. The facility serves as
a “home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill children
receiving treatment at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

“American farmers and ranchers work are the most efficient
in the world and work hard to produce a wholesome and abundant food
supply,” said Randy Veach of Manila, president of Arkansas Farm Bureau.
“Food Check-Out Week gives us a platform to share that message with
consumers and let them know how they can stretch their grocery dollar
with healthy, nutritious food.”

“We are grateful for our relationship with Arkansas Farm
Bureau and look forward to the ladies making their annual visit,” said
Rob Clancy, president of the Ronald McDonald House board of directors.

“Many of our residents return late after spending the day at
the hospital with and it’s comforting to know our pantry will be
stocked with snacks and wholesome meals they can enjoy.”

Farm Bureau women across the state will observe Food
Check-Out Week in their communities by making donations to local food
banks, setting up displays and sharing the message with shoppers at
supermarkets, and other locations.

Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy
organization of more than 210,000 families throughout the state working
to improve farm and rural life.